SCHOEPS Parabolic Dish Set

Product overview

The SCHOEPS Parabolic Dish Set is a matched system of a SCHOEPS compact microphone (CCM, or CMC 1 L + MK) and a parabolic dish, for the highest directivity at medium and high frequencies.

A parabolic dish achieves a surprisingly high directivity at medium and high frequencies with relatively simple means. In this system a special OEM parabolic dish is combined with a SCHOEPS microphone so that these qualities can be fully realised. The microphone position is designed to produce a smooth frequency response, unusual for a parabolic system, for the three recommended microphone types: omni, wide cardioid and cardioid.

The remaining equalisation is done automatically by a free SCHOEPS EQ plug-in. It filters the signal according to the entered application parameters and produces a flat frequency response between 100 Hz and 20 kHz, with the correction curve shown on screen. A windshield with fur inside the dish gives strong protection against wind noise on the microphone, and the dish folds without taking the components apart.

Key features

• Matched system of SCHOEPS microphone and parabolic dish for the highest directivity at medium and high frequencies
• Smooth frequency response thanks to the designed microphone position
• Free EQ plug-in for a flat response from 100 Hz to 20 kHz
• Strong protection against wind noise with a windshield with fur
• Sets with omni (CCM 2 / MK 2), wide cardioid (CCM 21 / MK 21) or cardioid (CCM 4 / MK 4)
• 22-inch transparent dish, foldable without disassembly
• XLR output in the handle for a standard microphone cable
• Microphone easy to change

Choosing the microphone

The omni is the usual microphone for a parabolic dish: it is less sensitive to handling and wind noise, its directivity is good and it records the lowest frequencies at a good level, useful when low-frequency ambience is wanted. The cardioid achieves the best directivity and the smoothest frequency response. The wide cardioid sits between the two, with higher directivity than the omni. Every microphone is mounted with its 0° direction pointing towards the dish.

Made for

• Nature and wildlife recordings
• Sports broadcasts, such as players and ball sounds at a distance
• Sound design
• Distant sources that need high directivity

In the box

• SCHOEPS microphone according to the set: CCM 4, CCM 21 or CCM 2 (with premium box, SGC clamp and K 5 LU 5 m Lemo to XLR cable), or CMC 1 L amplifier with MK 4, MK 21 or MK 2 capsule
• Parabolic dish, 22 inch, foldable, transparent
• Handle with fixed microphone cable and XLR output
• Microphone holder with windshield and mounting kit
• Fake-fur windjammer
• Free EQ plug-in for the parabolic dish (download)
• Version 163101: parabolic dish kit without microphone

SCHOEPS Parabolic Dish Set: frequently asked questions

Which microphone should I choose?

The omni is the usual choice, with low sensitivity to handling and wind noise and good low-frequency level. The cardioid gives the best directivity and the smoothest response. The wide cardioid sits between the two.

Why is an EQ plug-in needed?

The matched microphone position gives a smooth response, and the free SCHOEPS EQ plug-in then makes it flat from 100 Hz to 20 kHz, based on the application parameters entered.

How is the microphone protected from wind?

A windshield with fur surrounds the microphone inside the dish. The included windjammer, or the optional high wind cover, gives further damping in strong wind.

How is the set transported?

The dish folds without taking the components apart. Fully disassembled, it rolls up into the optional soft case, and an optional hard case holds the remaining accessories.

Which accessories are optional?

Soft case for the folded dish (163901), tripod mount (163902), black high wind cover (163903) and a hard case for the unmounted accessories (163904).

Where can I buy the SCHOEPS Parabolic Dish Set in India?

The SCHOEPS Parabolic Dish Set is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Nature and wildlife recording

Nature recordists capturing birds and animals at a distance.

Connections

Setup

1. Unfold the dish and check the microphone points towards it.
2. Aim the dish at the animal and follow it smoothly.
3. Apply the free EQ plug-in in post-production for a flat response.

Tip: The omni keeps handling and wind noise low and records low-frequency ambience at a good level.

Workflow 2: Sports broadcasts

Broadcast teams capturing on-field sounds.

Connections

Setup

1. Choose the cardioid for the best directivity.
2. Follow the action with the dish at the field edge.
3. Equalise the signal with the EQ plug-in settings for the application.

Tip: Keep the dish still or use the optional tripod mount for the cardioid version.

Workflow 3: Sound design

Sound designers collecting distant sources.

Connections

Setup

1. Pick the microphone type for the desired character.
2. Record the source from a distance.
3. Use the plug-in to correct the response.

Tip: Directivity is highest at medium and high frequencies.

Workflow 4: Recording in strong wind

Field recordists working outdoors.

Connections

Setup

1. Keep the windshield with fur around the microphone.
2. Fit the windjammer, or the high wind cover when the dish need not stay transparent.
3. Check the wind noise before recording.

Tip: The windshield inside the dish reliably keeps wind away from the microphone.

Workflow 5: Changing the microphone

Users with more than one SCHOEPS compact microphone.

Connections

Setup

1. Open the microphone holder.
2. Insert the chosen CCM with its 0° direction towards the dish.
3. Connect it to the fixed cable in the handle.

Tip: The microphone can be changed easily.

Workflow 6: Transport and set-up

Recordists who travel to locations.

Connections

Setup

1. Fold the dish without taking the components apart.
2. For minimum pack size, roll the dish into the soft case.
3. Reassemble on location and connect a standard microphone cable.

Tip: The XLR output in the handle takes any standard microphone cable.